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Vadh 2 movie review: Simple virtues of Vadh 2…

Director: Jaspal Singh SandhuActors: Sanjay Mishra, Neena GuptaRating: 3 stars First off, this film, in parts, could be a master-class in onscreen acting. Those parts being quite linearly divided between its top four leads who, individually, get almost equal, exclusive screen time, to draw the audiences in, with their quietly understated performances, throughout the film’s two-hours-plus, tight duration. Each is worthy of central roles at the movies, anyway. Namely, actors Sanjay Mishra, Neena Gupta, Kumud Mishra, Amitt K Singh. The latter is a young, confident detective investigating disappearance and possible murder, of a high-profile inmate at a prison, where Kumud plays a casteist, calm jailer. The centre of attention is Neena Gupta’s character, who’s been behind bars for decades, having supposedly befriended a lowly jail employee, that is, Sanjay Mishra, along the way! Between these top-notch performances, the set-up is stellar. What about the pay-off? Have to admit, there are multiple passages, you might find yourself ignoring what’s going on, on the big screen, and switch to your second screen, instead. Precious little happens by way of plot. That said, a pic like this works/excels not so much for the story, per se, as for its storytelling, as it were. As this does. Vadh 2 is obviously a sequel. In the sense that merely the two main actors return. Chiefly, Sanjay, as the quietly genial Shambhu Nath Mishra — looking equally lost, unkempt, as is, and being so himself, that you can hear audiences respond to his every move/line, even when he isn’t saying anything particularly funny, or of much import, anyway. The way Mishra Ji (Ankhon Dekhi, Kaamyaab) is, in general, in life. He’s such an Old Monk, isn’t it? Which is also his choice of drink. Equally for the other rum-drinkers in this ensemble cast. There’s a portion, where Sanjay’s character tells Neena about how his wife, that’s actually her, had passed away; his son had moved on, leaving his parents behind, with a huge debt they’d taken, in order to settle him abroad. That’s the story of the OG Vadh (2022), also directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu (along with Rajeev Barnwal), which felt vastly over-the-top, on occasion, for a realistic, small-town suspense-thriller. You needn’t watch that, in order to enjoy this. The writer-director, Sandhu, has taken a fresh stab at the characters, and the script, let alone the world-building. It starts with the logo of Madhya Pradesh (MP) tourism, which makes it an odd film for a tourism board to endorse. It’s set entirely within a zila/district jail, supposedly in a small-town called Shivpuri, with all the crooks, criminals that no one should visit MP for. I’m guessing the film’s been shot in Bhopal jail. Which was also the location for the Netflix series, Black Warrant (2025), similarly set within the premises of a prison. The bone of connection is the brash, uncouth son of an MLA (Akshay Dogra), whose reign within is supreme. Nobody can rein this villain in. He’s the guy gone missing from jail, or possibly dead. Here’s the obvious rub, though. This is a whodunnit, where you feel good-riddance towards the fellow for whatever’s been done to him. Surely, murder is illegal. Hence, the detective investigating the case. The viewer is always two steps ahead of this cop. Audience privilege is complete. The word vadh itself implies vanquishing evil, in the context of a good cause. The question is simply how/when/why.   You consume this genre in the mould of, say, Drishyam, which is effectively a writer/viewer’s obsession with an unsolvable crime, or perfect murder, as it were. Speaking of Drishyam, that’s on to its threequel, of course, Malayalam movies inevitably do this slow-burn better. Among so many examples, take the more recent, Kishkindha Kaandam (2024). We’ve inhaled such movies regularly on OTTs, assuming that’s where such content belongs. It’s actually mildly therapeutic to be in a quieter hall, muted background score, heightened performances, when the point of a scene is to lead to another, and for movie itself to hold your attention with a simple story. That’s the virtue of Vadh 2. I walked in, having lowered my expectations. It remains a rare instance, when the sequel’s way better.

06 February,2026 10:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Protest against Ghooskhor Pandat

Ghooskhor Pandat controversy: Protests erupt over Manoj Bajpayee's film

Manoj Bajpayee's upcoming project, Ghooskhor Pandat, was recently announced at a grand event in Mumbai. However, ever since, things haven't been going great as the upcoming film has raked up a huge controversy over its name. After an FIR was filed against the show and its makers, now, members of the Brahmin community have staged protests against the film and demanded a change in the title. Protest in Bhopal over Ghoooskhor Pandat In Bhopal, Akhil Bhartiya Brahman Samaj protestors were seen holding placards which read, 'Iss film ka nirmata Neeraj Pandey murdabad', 'Digital platform Netflix ko bandh karo, FIR karo', 'Iss film ka kalakaar Manoj Bajpayee murdabad', among others, as they took to the streets to express their anger.  Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Members of the Brahmin community in Bhopal protested against the film Ghooskhor Pandat, demanding immediate removal of the title and registration of an FIR against the film’s directors. pic.twitter.com/f2dgQnVin9 — IANS (@ians_india) February 6, 2026 Similarly, in Prayagraj, the Rashtriya Parshuram Sena (Brahma Vahini) protested by openly showcasing its anger against the film. They accused it of hurting the honour of the Brahmin community. During the protests, effigies of Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee were beaten with slippers, kicked and thrown onto the ground. The effigies were also set on fire at Subhash Chowk in Civil Lines, with hundreds of people in attendance.  About Ghoooskhor Pandat controversy On the directions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Lucknow's Hazratganj Police has registered an FIR against the forthcoming movie Ghoooskhor Pandat. According to Lucknow Police, strict action has been taken following allegations that the content attempts to disturb social harmony and hurt religious and caste sentiments. Due to the name and content of the film, there is intense anger and outrage among the Brahmin community and various social organisations. These organisations have even warned of aggressive protests against the drama. Legal action and investigation are underway in view of the seriousness of the matter. Strictest action is expected to be taken against those who intend to hurt the sentiments of any community or disturb peace under the zero-tolerance policy. Meanwhile, the lead of the project, Manoj Bajpayee, claimed through a recent social media post that Ghooskhor Pandat is 'not about any community. "I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously. When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen. As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community," he shared. Bajpayee also said that the decision by the makers to take down the promotional material of the drama goes to show how seriously they are taking these concerns.Additionally, Neeraj Pandey also clarified in an official statement issued through Netflix's publicity team that the term 'Pandat' is used as a colloquial name for a fictional character, and it does not represent any particular caste, religion, or community. (With inputs from IANS)

06 February,2026 07:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta

Vadh 2: Neena Gupta, Sanjay Mishra ask fans not to give spoilers

The much-anticipated crime thriller, Vadh 2, headlined by Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta, has finally hit the screens on February 6. The film has already sparked buzz, especially due to the suspense and unexpected turns of its predecessor. Amid the release, the lead actors have urged the audiences to help preserve the film's essence by steering clear of spoilers. Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra urge fans to not give spoilers Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra shared a note on their respective Instagram stories, wherein they directly addressed fans and moviegoers regarding the importance of maintaining the thrill for future audiences. Gupta, in her story, wrote, "We request you to please not give away the spoilers or climax of Vadh 2. The film has been made as a thriller mystery, and we hope the experience remains intact for everyone watching it in theatres (sic)." Sanjay shared a similar note in Hindi. About Vadh 2 Vadh 2 is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under the Luv Films banner. It is helmed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu, who has also written the film. The recently released thriller serves as a sequel to the 2022 film Vadh, taking on the thematic exploration of complex moral choices.  The film centres on the relationship between a prison guard and an inmate, which unfolds against the backdrop of a hidden truth that continues to challenge their values and decisions. The sequel introduces new characters portrayed by Kumud Mishra, Shilpa Shukla, Amitt K Singh, Akshay Dogra, and Yogita Bihani, thus expanding the narrative beyond the original cast. Vadh 2 premiered at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on November 23, 2025, where it drew a lot of attention and acclaim from critics and audiences prior to its public release.  Mid-day's review of the film read, "Vadh 2 is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under the Luv Films banner and is directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu. It serves as a sequel to the 2022 film Vadh, continuing the thematic exploration of complex moral choices. Early reviews highlighted the film's gripping story and commended the performances of the lead actors, especially in delivering the intense climax."

06 February,2026 05:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Dhurandar and Tu Yaa Main Rap music stills

From Ez Ez to Naam Karu Bada, rap tracks that have taken over audiences playlist

Rap music is no longer a niche, it’s a cultural wave. From film soundtracks to independent drops, rap tracks today are shaping pop culture, dominating reels, and becoming everyday anthems for a generation that values raw emotion and unfiltered storytelling. Be it swag, ambition, or street style, these songs have cracked the code of virality and here’s a look at the top trending rap tracks that have audiences hooked - Dhurandhar – Title Track Hard-hitting and unapologetically intense, the Dhurandhar title track sets the tone with its aggressive beats and commanding presence. Designed to match the film’s gritty energy, the track, composed by Shashwat Sachdev and sung by Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas and others, quickly caught attention for its scale and powerful delivery, making it a favourite among fans who like their rap bold and dramatic. Naam Karu Bada – Tu Yaa Main Sung by Adarsh Gourav, Naam Karu Bada stands out for its confident, street-style energy and fresh underground pulse. Blending attitude with ambition, the track perfectly taps into the youth mindset, chasing dreams, claiming space, and saying it loud. Composed by Sez On The Beat with lyrics by 7Bantaiz, its catchy hook and intent are helping it find a strong fan base beyond the film. Ez Ez – Dhurandhar Cool, effortless, and dripping with swag, Ez Ez lives up to its name. The track brings an explosive energy matched with intense visuals, making it instantly replay-worthy. Performed by Diljit Dosanjh, Shashwat Sachdev and Hanumankind, it’s the kind of song that slips easily into party playlists and late-night listening sessions alike. Walking On Water – DIVINE DIVINE continues to prove why he remains one of the most influential voices in Indian hip-hop. Walking On Water is reflective yet powerful, blending personal growth with lyrical depth. The track resonated widely for its honesty and maturity, striking a chord with listeners who’ve followed his journey from the streets to the spotlight. 10/20 – Emiway Bantai Raw, fearless, and unmistakably Emiway, 10/20 delivers punchlines with attitude and precision. Known for his independent and unfiltered style, Emiway keeps it real in this track, which quickly received love for its energy and vibe. These tracks prove that rap is not just trending, it’s shaping the sound of now. With artists constantly pushing boundaries and audiences hungry for authenticity, this wave shows no signs of slowing down.

06 February,2026 05:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gurfateh Pirzada

Gurfateh Pirzada reveals 7 projects shelved in 3 years, gears for comeback

The film industry is known for its unpredictability. From overnight success to projects being shelved without warning, actors often find themselves at the mercy of uncertain circumstances. What truly sustains an artist through these highs and lows is resilience—and Gurfateh Pirzada’s journey stands as a testament to that perseverance. Gurfateh recalls projects getting shelved after debut Gurfateh made his debut with Netflix’s Guilty, following which he signed several promising projects. Unfortunately, many of them were shelved before release. Just when uncertainty loomed large, the actor found his breakthrough with Class. The show earned widespread acclaim and popularity, creating strong anticipation for a second season. He wrote, "The year was 2020 and I had my first outing in the movies with GUILTY.  I thought this was it…and man I’d arrived (LOL) the pandemic happened and we all know how that story went….Then came a bunch of projects that were announced and signed but eventually never saw the light of day…but there was a dark horse that I was working on all along that came to be known as CLASS exactly three years later in 2023 and a lot of you and I absolutely loved that show…but unfortunately we could not give you another season because life usually has other plans." The news deeply affected the actor. He later revealed that upon learning about Class being shelved in late 2024, he fell ill with a high fever, overwhelmed by disappointment. He added, "If I remember correctly it was probably the 7th one (in 3 years) and it completely broke whatever faith and confidence I had within…"           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Gurfateh Singh Pirzada (@gurfatehpirzada) When the tides turned for Gurfateh In 2025, the actor turned a new page, landing interesting roles and performances in Call Me Bae, with more projects lined up including Revolutionaries, Dynasty, Call Me Bae 2, and Lust Stories 3. Reflecting on his journey, Gurfateh penned an emotional note recalling the setbacks, lessons, and gratitude for the teams that stood by him during difficult times. He concluded the note with gratitude. "Fast forward to 2025… I don’t know what changed and how it all transpired and came to fruition… I decided to leave it all behind and start afresh with a renewed sense of self…and thank the lord…I think there was a point when I didn’t have enough hours in the day to do it all…but we somehow managed. All credit to the team at @dcatalent for pulling through and fighting tooth and nail for this one and to raodyness for giving me an honest shot!!!" With his talent, sincerity, and persistence, Gurfateh Pirzada continues to carve his space in the industry, winning hearts and building anticipation for his upcoming projects.

06 February,2026 05:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Prakash Raj and Kangana Ranau

Prakash Raj reacts to Kangana Ranaut's remarks about AR Rahman

Actor Prakash Raj recently made sharp remarks against Kangana Ranaut over the actress's comments on AR Rahman. Prakash was seenn as a speaker at the Kerala Literature Festival, where he elaborated on the topic of ‘Criminalising Dissent! Who Gets Locked Up for Speaking Out?’ During the conversation, he cited the music composer AR Rahman’s recent controversy and mentioned how Kangana Ranaut had slammed Rahman. Prakash Raj on Kangana Ranaut's comments During the event, Prakash was seen talking about the controversy surrounding Rahman as an example and said, “What is happening with AR Rahman? What is the public discourse? Maa Tujhe Salaam. Jai Ho. Two Oscars. You rejoiced. He just said…he is not begging for work for your kind information, he’s beyond that. He said, this is the truth.” He further spoke about how Kangana slammed Rahman over her film Emergency, which he went on to call ‘propaganda’, saying, “Look at the euphoria which has started. Look at the barking which has started. A lady director and actress suddenly just because he did not work for her calls him an anti-national. Kangana Ranaut is calling her film Emergency, a propaganda film, as a classic. And that he denied to work. Look at what is happening around you.” What did Kangana Ranaut say? Last month, Rahman raked up a controversy for calling Chhaava a ‘divisive’ film and suggested that he wasn't getting enough work in Bollywood due to ‘communal’ reasons. Following the controversy, actor-politician Kangana shared her take on the incident. Taking to Instagram stories, she wrote, “Dear arrahman ji, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you.” She went on to claim that he even turned down the offer to compose for her film Emergency, based on Indira Gandhi, adding, “I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you. Forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don't want to be part of a propaganda film. Ironically, Emergency was called a masterpiece by all critics. Even opposition party leaders sent me fan leaders appreciating the film for its balanced and compassionate approach but you are blinded by your hate. I feel sorry for you.”

06 February,2026 05:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rohit Shetty

Rohit Shetty firing case: IMPPA requests CM Fadnavis to intervene

The Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) has addressed its concerns to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the recent firing incident outside the residence of filmmaker Rohit Shetty. The president of the association, Abhay Sinha wrote a letter to the CM, and spoke about the air of panic and anxiety that has shrouded the film fraternity in the light of multiple shooting incidents across the entertainment capital of the country. Abhay Sinha wrote, “Rohit Shetty has not only made immense contributions to Indian cinema but has also consistently stood by the nation whenever called upon, extending his support to social causes and national initiatives in times of need in the larger interest of society. It is therefore deeply concerning that such an incident should occur at his residence. This alarming incident has understandably caused anxiety and apprehension within our film fraternity and we are concerned that events of this nature may create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among artists, producers, technicians and the many individuals who dedicate themselves to contributing to the cultural and economic strength of our state”. “We respectfully request your immediate intervention to ensure a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into the matter. We also urge that appropriate security measures be reinforced to reassure Shri Rohit Shetty and his family, as well as the entire entertainment fraternity. We are confident that under your leadership, firm steps will be taken to uphold law and order and to prevent any recurrence of such disturbing incidents”, he added. The firing incident at Rohit Shetty’s Juhu bungalow in Mumbai took place last Sunday. Police investigating the case said they have received intelligence inputs suggesting that several celebrities are hesitant to approach the police. Investigators believe the main objective of the firing was to create fear across the film industry. A senior police officer said they have received inputs that many people received threatening calls, but no one is coming forward to record statements or lodge complaints. If facts are concealed, it becomes extremely difficult for the police to take suo moto action. In one of Lonkar’s social media posts, warnings have come to light. However, Rohit Shetty himself has denied receiving any threatening calls. Several police teams have been dispatched to different parts of the country in search of the shooters. 

06 February,2026 04:21 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Arijit Singh

Netizens think THIS is why Arijit Singh announced retirement from singing

Iulia Vantur is set to make her international debut with the upcoming short film, Echoes Of Us, directed by Joe Rajan, which also stars Deepak Tijori along with Spanish actress Alessandra Whelan Merediz in the lead roles. The first song from the film, Tere Sang, was recently released. Sung by acclaimed singer Arijit Singh, who has been in the news lately, the song has been launched under Salman Khan Films Music.  Arijit Singh and Iulia Vantur's new song Tere Sang marks the first collaboration of Iulia Vantur with Arijit Singh. A teaser of the song was recently released. Salman Khan Films Music shared the teaser on their official handle and wrote, "Arijit Singh and Iulia Vantur come together to bring you the unspoken promises of love TereSang from EchoesOfUs Out Tomorrow!" The film is said to be a cross-cultural cinematic experience and reportedly circles around themes of emotional connection, memory, and personal transformation. Interestingly, the lyrics of the song have been penned by Iulia and sung by the actress and Arijit Singh. Netizens react As soon as the teaser was dropped, netizens flooded social media with reactions, and it seems like fans weren't too pleased by the collaboration. Many users drew parallels to Arijit's controversial past with Salman Khan and his recently announced retirement. One such user pointed out, "he finally sang a song for Salman and declared retirement lmao" One user wrote, "Salman made Arijit f**cking Singh sing a duet with Iulia. That’s why he quit the industry, because that’s rock bottom." Another commented, "Arijit bhaai Retirement se wapas aa kr retirement le lenge." One iser even wrote, "Expected from skf abb samaj aa rha hai bc arjit ne kyu retirement lee arjit be like isse accha tho salman ke sath jagda tha tab hee theek tha" Referring to Arijit and Salman's past rift, users commented things like, "Arijit bhai tum Salman se dushmani phir se banaye rakho hum tumhare saath hai"  On the other hand, several fans expressed relief that the song was not from Salman Khan's upcoming film Battle of Galwan, and requested the actor not include such a song in the film.

06 February,2026 04:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Still from Mardaani 3

Was Mardaani 3 team behind fake hype around missing people in Delhi? YRF reacts

The Delhi Police was quick to dismiss viral reports claiming a spike in missing persons cases in the national capital. Calling the reports misleading and panic-inducing, the authorities stated that the hype was being peddled through “paid promotion” by certain individuals. While the Delhi Police did not name any specific perpetrators, social media was abuzz with speculation that the alleged hype was intentionally created to promote the recently released Rani Mukerji-starrer Mardaani 3. Several netizens claimed that the marketing team of Yash Raj Films, which backed the film, was responsible for amplifying the narrative online. Did Mardaani 3 makers hype data?  “According to the makers, Mardaani 3 focuses on a new issue involving the kidnapping of young girls aged 8–9 years from low-income groups across the country for a specific reason. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film was released in theatres on January 30. Reports of missing persons during this period drew attention, leading many to believe that the news was connected to the film, which is based on a similar theme.” Mid-Day reached out to Yash Raj Films for a response to the allegations on the team of Mardaani 3.  In an official statement, a spokesperson strongly denied the claims, saying, “Yash Raj Films is a 50-year-old company founded on the core principles of being highly ethical and transparent. We strongly deny the accusations floating on social media that Mardaani 3’s promotional campaign has deliberately sensationalised a sensitive issue like this. We have immense trust in our authorities, who will share all facts and truths in due course of time.” All about missing persons report in Delhi and Mumbai According to official Delhi Police data accessed by PTI, 807 people were reported missing between January 1 and 15. Of these, 509 were women and girls, while 298 were men. Among the total cases, 191 involved minors and 616 were adults. The staggering data led to sensational headlines, rampant social media forwards inducing panic among citizens.  Addressing the concerns, Delhi Police posted on social media, stating, “There is no need to panic over rumours being spread regarding missing persons, especially the disappearance of children. There has been no increase in missing persons cases compared to previous years.” Delhi Police PRO Sanjay Tyagi on Thursday said that, compared with previous years, there has been no increase in missing-person reports in the city. In fact, January 2026 saw fewer such cases than in the same period last year. "There is no need to fear or panic regarding the missing persons in Delhi, especially children. Compared to the past, there has been no increase in reporting missing persons in Delhi. In January 2026, compared to the same period last year, there has been a drop in reporting missing persons. It is also worth mentioning that Delhi Police follows the policy of fair and transparent reporting of crime," Tyagi said in a video released by Delhi Police. Mumbai also witnessed similar panic-inducing reports recently. Debunking the claims, Mumbai Police issued a statement saying, “Misinformation regarding missing and kidnapped children is being circulated by some handles. Such claims are denied, and FIRs are being registered against those spreading rumours and creating panic.”

06 February,2026 04:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya Nambiar
Vadh 2

Vadh 2 review: Sanjay Mishra, Neena Gupta satiate in a predictible thriller

Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta are back as the old-age couple who get involved in a murder (apologies, Vadh, because moral ground is the heart), but this time with a whole new, twisted tale. As a disclaimer, if you've watched the first part, just know that this sequel has nothing to do with it, barring the names of the lead characters, a primary murder-cover-up plot and moral web. So one does not necessarily need to watch the first to make sense of the second instalment. But does the Vadh 2 fare well? Plot Shambhunath (Sanjay Mishra), a prison guard, tries to repay his son's educational loan while his NRI son has cut off contact by stealing vegetables from the prison. Then there is Manju (Neena Gupta), a murder convict inside the prison, who is serving her 28-year sentence and is on the brink of release. A love story unfolds from their sneaky nighttime rendezvous, where they communicate from either side of a closed door.  Comes Prakash Kumar (Kumud Mishra), a newly appointed jail superintendent, who is a casteist, but uncorruptible. The prison houses Keshav (Aksshay Dogra), a violent, annoying youth (the puppy scene in the trailer says a lot about him), backed by his influential politician relative (whose voice is only heard on the phone). He goes missing from his cell after the new superintendent 'illegally' trashes him following his provocation.  An investigating officer, Ateet Singh (Amitt K. Singh), is appointed to find Keshav. He breaks his back and even gets Prakash Kumar suspended. He almost gets the case cracked, but returns empty-handed because of a lack of proof (and time, I assume), thanks to Shambhunath's intelligence. Almost a year later, Keshav's body is found buried in Prakash Kumar's backyard, and the case reopens. With Prakash Kumar denying the murder, Ateet returns to Shivpur to find the murderer on a deadline of three days. Performances Sanjay Mishra, unarguably, shines with his effortless talent as a helpless old cop whose heart still jitters for his newfound love interest. He is convincing and natural in the portrayal that is complex but made uncomplicated by him. He is the only one who gives you a few laughs and smirks here and there. Neena Gupta, on the other hand, is equally plausible. She maintains her grace and conviction throughout. Together, they make for a mature yet heart-warming old-age couple in a love story that's not the usual rosy one.  Kumud Mishra is great, just like one would expect from him in a cop role. The rest of the cast does a fine job, too, in bringing the story together.  Verdict The writer-director Jaspal Singh Sandhu does a fine job of writing and narration. The first half, however, feels slow-paced. Nevertheless, it presents dots that you would want to join later. The climax has a good twist from what seems obvious until then.  The story is largely predictable, except for a few twists which seem interesting but are almost negligible. The suspense, which builds up slowly in the first half, compensates in the second half. Jaspal Singh Sandhu's narration and story are a hero, but the not-so-great execution dampens the experience. Unlike the first part, this one does not stay with you for long. Irrelevant, but unnecessary alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking could have been avoided. Overall, Vadh 2 is a one-time watch for the love of crime thrillers, a good story, performances and the appeal of the first part. Spoiler alert! Low-key disappointed that Ateet Singh did not dramatically reveal his full name at the end.

06 February,2026 03:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Amarylisa Gonsalves
Yami Gautam

Yami Gautam to make cameo in husband Aditya Dhar’s much-awaited Dhurandhar 2

Aditya Dhar’s directorial Dhurandhar 2 is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The sequel to the Ranveer Singh-starrer, which proved to be a box office monster, is currently in the making. Now, it has been reported that actress Yami Gautam will be making a cameo appearance in the film. Yami Gautam cameo in Dhurandhar 2 Yami has been closely associated with the project, as several members of her family—including her husband Aditya Dhar, her brother, and her brother-in-law—are part of the film’s team. The actress has also reportedly visited the sets during the shoot. According to a report by NDTV, Yami plays a crucial role in Dhurandhar 2 and shot for four days for her cameo. She is said to portray a character that significantly drives the narrative forward. The sequel, titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge, will bring back the core ensemble cast, including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Danish Pandor, and Rakesh Bedi. Akshaye Khanna’s character, Rahman Baloch, who dies in the first instalment, is also expected to appear in flashback sequences in the upcoming film. Dhurandhar 2 lands in trouble Meanwhile, Dhurandhar: The Revenger recently ran into trouble after leaked images from its sets went viral on social media. The pictures showed Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal shooting in South Mumbai’s Ballard Estate, which had been transformed into Karachi’s Lyari locality for a key portion of the film. However, the shoot was halted two days ago following police intervention. According to a report by Mumbai Mirror, the Mumbai Police took action after the film’s crew allegedly operated a drone in the area without proper authorisation. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the film’s location manager, Rinku Rajpal Valmiki, under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for knowingly disobeying lawful orders. As per the report, on February 1, Sanjay Dutt arrived on set to film a crucial sequence. The actor, who plays SP Choudhary in the film, was seen dressed in a Pathani suit and holding a gun, with a drone meant to capture his dramatic walk. Police officials reportedly arrived on set soon after and ordered the shoot to be halted, citing unauthorised drone usage in a high-security area.

06 February,2026 01:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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